Ninestane Rig, Stone circle in Scottish Borders, United Kingdom.
Ninestane Rig is a stone circle in the Scottish Borders composed of nine stones arranged in an oval pattern from the Early Bronze Age. Most of the stones now stand as short stumps, though two rise considerably higher and remain the site's most visible features.
The site originated during the Early Bronze Age and likely served as a place for ancient ceremonies and gatherings. Over millennia, the stones gradually diminished through natural weathering and human activity.
Local legends connect this place to the nobleman William II de Soules, whose dark fate has embedded itself in the region's memory and folklore. These stories give the silent stones a weight of mystery that draws visitors into the past.
The stone circle is accessible by car via the B6399 road from Hawick toward Hermitage, with parking available near Whitrope Burn bridge. The walk to the monument is short and straightforward, making it easy to visit regardless of fitness level.
Excavations around the monument have revealed shallow pits that suggest people may have lived near the stone circle hundreds of years ago. These traces indicate the site was used for daily activities beyond ceremonial purposes.
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